The University of Memphis chapter of Up ’til Dawn raised more than $122,000 for St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 2012-2013 academic year, making it the
top fundraising chapter in the nation.

The largest portion of the money – about $75,000 – was raised through a letter campaign. ALSAC/St.
Jude provided about 20,000 donation letters, which students personalized and sent
to potential donors. More than 700 students sent letters this year.

Members of the U of M chapter of Up ’til Dawn present their check to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital. At left, students display their award as the top fundraising chapter in the nation.

In addition to the letters, students hosted smaller events throughout the year to
bring in money for the hospital. Over the last three years, the U of M chapter has
averaged 40 of these events. Activities range from small (bake sales, donate a dollar
to color an Up ’til Dawn logo, get a percentage of restaurant profits for a night)
to large (bowling and skating events, a dinner and silent auction, a head-shaving
event), all planned and carried out by individual students or groups.

“I am proud of our students and campus community,” said Jon Campbell, director of
Leadership Programs. “Up ’til Dawn is a significant part of our campus identity, and
every year our students contribute countless hours to ensure that we are able to support
St. Jude with fundraising and awareness. I don’t know that there is another Up ’til
Dawn chapter that so thoroughly commits itself to the program, and advising this group
is one of the great joys of my work at the University of Memphis.”

Up ’til Dawn was launched on the U of M campus 14 years ago. Since then, it has spread
to more than 275 schools nationwide, and now generates nearly $5 million annually
for groundbreaking research and patient care a St. Jude. The U of M chapter has raised
more than $1.3 million. Overall, the program has earned more $20.6 million for the
hospital.